A Madaraka Day to RememberJune 1, 2025 ; The sun rose over Lake Victoria with a golden glow, casting shimmering reflections on the waters as Homa Bay County prepared to host Madaraka Day celebrations for the very first time.
The air buzzed with excitement, music, and the chatter of thousands who had gathered to witness this historic moment.
At the newly commissioned Raila Odinga Stadium, a sea of Kenyan flags waved proudly as President William Ruto arrived, escorted by Governor Gladys Wanga and other dignitaries.
The 12,000-seater stadium, a gleaming symbol of devolution’s success, stood as proof of Homa Bay’s transformation.
This year’s theme, Harnessing Kenya’s Blue Economy for Sustainable Growth,” was more than just words, it was a promise.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura had earlier emphasized that Homa Bay was chosen for its strategic location on Lake Victoria, the lifeblood of the region.
“This is not just a celebration; it is a declaration of Kenya’s commitment to unlocking the potential of our waters,” Mwaura had said.
The government showcased its investments: new fish landing sites at Wakula, Mainuga, and Nyadhiwa, a state-of-the-art Fisheries and Aquaculture Training Centre in Kabonyo, and the upgraded Kabunde Airstrip to boost trade and tourism. Small-scale fishermen, who had long struggled with post-harvest losses, now had hope with modern storage facilities and training programs.
In the weeks leading up to the event, Homa Bay had undergone a remarkable facelift. Roads once riddled with potholes, like the Homa Bay Pier–Stadium Road, were now smooth tarmac. Hotels and markets thrived as visitors poured in, filling the streets with laughter and commerce.
Local entrepreneur Jared Otieno, who ran a lakeside fish restaurant, grinned as he flipped tilapia on the grill. “Business has never been better. The government’s focus on the blue economy is changing our lives,” he said.
During his address, President Ruto reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), emphasizing aquaculture and maritime technology as key drivers of growth.
“Tom Mboya University will soon be home to a Maritime Centre of Excellence,” he announced, sparking cheers from students in attendance. “We are training the next generation of experts to propel Kenya into a blue economy powerhouse.”
Governor Wanga, beaming with pride, called the event a “devolution blessing.” “Today, Homa Bay is not just on the map—it is at the heart of Kenya’s future,” she declared.
As the celebrations continued with cultural performances, boat races on Lake Victoria, and fireworks lighting up the night sky, one thing was clearFor the residents, this Madaraka Day was more than a national holiday—it was the dawn of a new era, where the waters of Lake Victoria would not just sustain life but drive prosperity for generations to come.
The future was blue, and it was bright.
